CETAC ASXPRESS PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System Upgrade for XLR-8 Autosamplers Installation Guide Manual Part Number 480197 rev1
COPYRIGHT 2012 CETAC Technologies 480197 rev1, July, 2012 CETAC Technologies authorizes its customers to reproduce, transmit, or store this document in its entirety, including this page, for the express purpose of installing, operating, or maintaining the product described herein. CETAC Technologies Customer Service & Support 14306 Industrial Road Omaha, Nebraska 68144, USA Phone (800) 369-2822 (USA only) Phone (402) 733-2829 Fax (402) 733-1932 E-mail custserv@cetac.com REVISIONS CETAC Technologies strives to provide the scientific community with an unparalleled combination of effective technology and continuing value. Modular upgrades for existing instruments will continue to be a prime consideration as designs progress. CETAC Technologies reserves the right to revise this document and/or improve products described herein at any time without notice or obligation. Warranty registration entitles the named owner exclusively to manual change pages/new editions as they are published. TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. iteva is a trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. WinLab32 is a trademark of PerkinElmer Instruments LLC. PharMed and Tygon are registered trademarks of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics. DuPont, Kapton, Teflon, Tefzel and Viton are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Ultem is a trademark of SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BV. KYNAR is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Contents 1 Introduction... 5 Overview... 5 Firmware Requirements... 6 Supported Firmware Versions... 6 Where to Get the Firmware... 6 2 Setting the Pump Speed Jumper... 7 Opening the Autosampler to Access the Jumpers... 7 Accessing the Interior of the Autosampler... 7 Setting the Pump Speed Jumper (ASX-520/ASX-520HS/XLR-8)... 15 Closing Up the Autosampler... 15 3 Installing the Rinse Plumbing... 17 Install the Xpress Rinse Station and Rinse Tubing... 17 Removing the Existing Rinse Station... 18 Installing the Xpress Rinse Station... 18 Installing the Rinse Tubing... 19 Installing the 1.0mm ID Sample Probe on the Autosampler... 21 4 Connecting the ASXPRESS PLUS System... 23 Valve/Pump Module Liquid Flow Connections... 31 ASXPRESS PLUS Power/Communication General Connections... 32 3
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1 Introduction Overview This guide explains how to set up a CETAC XLR-8 Extended Rack Autosampler for use with the ASXPRESS PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System. An XLR-8 autosampler may be purchased as a complete system, or an existing ASX-520 autosampler may be upgraded to an XLR-8. The upgraded ASX-520 may need additional installation steps (such as changing the pump speed). This guide is for use by qualified chemists or laboratory technicians who are familiar with electrical and chemical safety precautions. See the ASXPRESS PLUS Operator s Manual and XLR-8 Operator's Manual for safety information. To install the system, you will need to 1 Upgrade the autosampler firmware, if necessary (see page 6). This requires removing the cover to access the circuit board inside the autosampler. 2 Set the autosampler pump speed jumper to its fastest setting, if the autosampler is an upgraded ASX-520 set to a lower speed (see page 7). This requires removing the cover to access the circuit board inside the autosampler. 3 Install the new rinse station and connect the rinse tubing, if the autosampler has the smaller "standard" rinse station (see page 17). 4 Connect the autosampler to the ASXpress Plus system and to the analytical instrument (see page 23). 5
NOTE Some of these steps may already have been performed by CETAC or your dealer. Firmware Requirements Supported Firmware Versions The ASXPRESS PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System is compatible with the following firmware versions: ASX-520/ASX-520HS: firmware version 1.06 or later. Where to Get the Firmware The software needed to upgrade the firmware on the autosampler and the firmware upgrade file can be downloaded from the CETAC web site. To download the software and the firmware, go to http://www.cetac.com/downloads/download.html and select Autosampler Firmware Update. You will be presented with a form that asks for basic contact information. Upon completion, you will be e-mailed a web site address, a login ID and a password that will allow you to download any new firmware upgrade that may be available for your autosampler. You can upgrade the firmware by setting some switches and using a firmware update utility, or by replacing the processor module ("Rabbit module") in the autosampler. Contact CETAC to determine which method is most appropriate for your autosampler. Instructions for updating the firmware are included with the firmware update utility. 6
2 Setting the Pump Speed Jumper NOTE It is only necessary to set the pump speed jumper if you upgraded an existing ASX-520 to an XLR-8. If you purchased the XLR-8 as a complete system, the jumper is already set appropriately, and you may skip this chapter. To change the pump speed, you will need to disassemble the autosampler so that you can move a jumper on the circuit board. If the built-in pump is not running at the fastest speed, excessive contamination may remain on the probe, or the rinse station may overflow. WARNING ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL HAZARDS Make sure the unit is off and unplugged before beginning this procedure. Opening the Autosampler to Access the Jumpers NOTE Your equipment may differ in appearance from what is shown in the photos. The photos show components which are intended to represent typical CETAC instruments from a range of eras. Most of the photos depict a standard ASX- 520; note that for the XLR-8, the standards rack is attached to autosampler and not integrated with the tray. Accessing the Interior of the Autosampler 1 Place the autosampler on a flat surface and ensure that the unit is powered off. 2 Remove the two Kynar thumbscrews from the Y-axis home block. 7
Figure 2-1 View of Y-axis home block with Kynar thumbscrews. 3 Remove the entire Z-drive assembly from the Y-arm by pulling the Z-drive assembly forward and off of the autosampler arm as shown (Figure 2-2). Figure 2-2 Z-drive removed from arm assembly. (Photo shows standard ASX-520 tray with integral standards rack.) 8
Chapter 2: Setting the Pump Speed Jumper 4 Once the Z-drive assembly is removed, remove the rinse station (Figure 2-3). Turn the rinse station ¼ turn counter-clockwise while pulling it upward. Also, the tubing located at the bottom of rinse station will have to be disconnected from the pump at the rear of the autosampler. Figure 2-3 View of rinse station 5 Remove the standards rack. Remove the three screws and pull it forward. Figure 2-4 Removing the standards rack. 9
6 The autosampler tray should then be removed. Lift up the tray and pull out (Figure 2-5). Figure 2-5 Removing the tray (ASX-520) 7 Next, the front cover is to be removed. Remove the four corner screws (Figure 2-6). Figure 2-6 screws Front view of ASX-520 autosampler showing front cover 10
Chapter 2: Setting the Pump Speed Jumper 8 The front cover is removed by lifting it slightly and pulling forward (Figure 2-7). Figure 2-7 ASX-520 autosampler with the front cover being removed 9 The screws that hold the inner shield must be removed. Move the Y-axis assembly all the way to the left (Figure 2-8 shows screw locations). Your autosampler may have a newer style shield with splashguard. These are removed in a similar manner. Figure 2-8 View of inner shield inside the ASX-520 autosampler 11
10 The inner shield can be removed by moving the arm to the right or left then lifting it up while pulling forward.(figure 2-9). Figure 2-9 Removal of inner shield (ASX-520) 11 If you have a newer shield/splash guard combination proceed as follows. Locate and remove the 5 screws holding the shield in place. Figure 2-10 View of new shield and splashguard inside the ASX-520. 12
Chapter 2: Setting the Pump Speed Jumper 12 Remove the two shield pieces. Notice that the splashguard goes under the chassis on the top and over the chassis on the bottom. When you replace the splashguard, ensure it is oriented in this manner. Figure 2-11 View of splashguard placement. 13
13 Remove the splashguard by pulling it out from one side. It may be necessary to reach under the guard and remove it from the support standoffs. Figure 2-12 View of splashguard removal. 14
Chapter 2: Setting the Pump Speed Jumper Setting the Pump Speed Jumper (ASX-520/ASX- 520HS/XLR-8) 1 Locate the block of pump speed pins on the left side of the main circuit board 2 Move the jumper from its existing position to the position marked Max RPM (Figure 2-13). Figure 2-13 Jumper position utilized to increase pump speed (ASX-520) Note: ASX-520/ASX520HS main boards of differing eras/versions may have varying orientation of jumper positions. Follow the label on the circuit board for proper jumper positioning. Closing Up the Autosampler Once the firmware has been upgraded and the pump speed has been set, you can close up the autosampler. Reinstall all shields Reinstall the front cover Reinstall the standards rack Try to align the standards rack to its original position. Use the marks left on the rack by the screws as a guide. Reinstall the Z-drive assembly 15
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3 Installing the Rinse Plumbing To work properly with the ASXPRESS PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System, the autosampler will require: Xpress rinse station 1.0mm ID sample probe An additional, external peristaltic rinse pump may be supplied for use in certain applications. CETAC will help you install the pump if necessary. If used, the pump should be connected to the EXTERNAL PUMP connector on the back of the ASXPRESS PLUS electronics module. WARNING INJURY HAZARD Ensure that AC power to the autosampler is off before proceeding with installation. If power to the autosampler is not turned off, the autosampler could begin moving while you are working on it. CAUTION The plumbing connections should be made without using tools. In fact, using tools such as screwdrivers or pliers to perform installation tasks may result in a damaged or unusable instrument. Do not tighten fittings with anything other than your fingers. Install the Xpress Rinse Station and Rinse Tubing In some cases, the autosampler may have a small "standard" rinse station. In those cases, an Xpress rinse station (Figure 3-1) and associated modified tubing arrangement is required. Please note the following considerations: If you have purchased a full system, it will already be configured properly and this step will not be necessary. 17
If you are connecting the ASXpress Plus system to an autosampler with a standard rinse station installed, then you will need to replace it with the Xpress rinse station (supplied with the upgrade kit), and make the tubing modifications as described in this section. The Xpress rinse station allows the rinse solution to flow efficiently at the high flow rate used by the ASXPRESS PLUS system. Standard Rinse Station Xpress Rinse Station Figure 3-1 Comparison of the Standard and Xpress Rinse Station Removing the Existing Rinse Station 1 Verify that the autosampler is turned off and unplugged, and that no hazardous materials are present in the rinse station or tubing. 2 Turn the rinse station ¼ turn counter-clockwise while pulling up. 3 Note how the rinse tubing is threaded underneath the autosampler. 4 Remove the tubing connecting the rinse station to the peristaltic pump. 5 Remove the tubing connecting the rinse station to the drain/waste container. Set the rinse station and all tubing aside, as those items will not be reinstalled. You may wish to store the rinse station in a labeled plastic bag, in case the autosampler ever needs to be restored to its original state. Installing the Xpress Rinse Station 1 Gently push the Xpress rinse station into place onto the rinse station holder block (mounted on the autosampler front cover) and turn it ¼ turn clockwise. 2 Replace the screw to secure the rinse station. 18
Chapter 3: Installing the Rinse Plumbing Installing the Rinse Tubing Use the standard pumped-drain tubing arrangement. One channel of the peristaltic pump built into the autosampler pumps rinse solution into the rinse station. The other pump channel removes rinse solution. To avoid overflowing the rinse station, both channels of the pump should be used, and the pump must be running at its fastest speed. Rinse solution may be recycled by directing the waste tube into the rinse solution container, if appropriate for your application. Make sure that the end of the waste tube is above the surface of the liquid in the container. A short length of 1/4" OD tubing is used as an intake "straw." Remember that the rinse intake tube should remain submerged in the rinse container; waste tube should be above the liquid surface. A short length of 5/16" OD tubing is connected to the output port of the rinse station, then connected with an adapter to the 1/4" OD tubing. This makes it easier to remove the tubing from the rinse station. Tubing between the autosampler and stationary objects (such as the rinse container) should run through the "chain." Tubing on the autosampler should be secured using the tray and clips, to prevent it from shifting as the autosampler moves. Bend the waste line in a "U" shape so that it can be clipped in place, but be careful not to kink the tubing. The following photos show how the tubing might be arranged: Figure 3-2 Rinse intake tube 19
Tubing secured with the built-in clips Rinse solution from autosampler's peristaltic pump to rinse station Drain tubing adapter 1/4" to 5/16" OD (1/8" to 3/16" ID) Waste from rinse station to autosampler's peristaltic pump Figure 3-3. Rinse station tubing after installation 20
Chapter 3: Installing the Rinse Plumbing Installing the 1.0mm ID Sample Probe on the Autosampler A 1.0mm ID sample probe (Figure 3-4) is provided for use with the CETAC autosampler for proper operation with the ASXpress PLUS system. Follow the autosampler Operator Manual Instructions to replace the probe with the 1.0mm sample probe, which is attached to the ASXPRESS PLUS 6-port valve at Port #2. NOTE The 1.0mm I.D. sample probe must be installed on the autosampler or the ASXPRESS PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System will not perform properly. It is identified by double blue bands (Figure 3-4) installed on the probe tubing. Figure 3-4 Double Blue Bands Identify the 1.0mm I.D. Sample Probe (carbon fiber probe shown is standard equipment) 21
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4 Connecting the ASXPRESS PLUS System To work properly with the ASXPRESS PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System, the autosampler will require: 1 Prepare and position the ASXPRESS PLUS valve/pump module: a Remove the protective cover from the 6-port valve. b Attach the sample probe to port #2- grey. If necessary, trim the sample tubing to minimize the length of the tubing while still allowing free movement of the sample probe. Note: Use only Double Blue Band, 1.0mm I.D. sample probes with the ASXPRESS PLUS system. 23
c Attach the sample loop between ports #1 and #4 on the 6-port valve. Note: Experiment with the loop size to determine the optimal size for your application, balancing sample size, sampling rate, and integration time. Several loops of varying sizes are supplied. See the ASXPRESS PLUS Accessories and Supplies Catalog for a full list of available sample loop sizes for aqueous and oils applications. d Position the valve/pump module. Considerations: Keep valve port #5 (blue) as close to the ICP nebulizer as possible. This may require adjusting vertical and horizontal placement of the valve/pump module, the orientation of the valve, or the orientation of the spray chamber. Place the valve/pump module so that leaking liquids do not enter the case. The module should rest on either end, but not on its back. To accommodate additional placement convenience, the CETAC SP6572 Articulating Mounting System is available. Note: Minimize the tubing length between port #5 and the nebulizer to achieve the optimal time savings benefit of the ASXPRESS PLUS system. ATTENTION: Do not connect the nebulizer at this step. The photo shows some tubing as a reference. 24
Chapter 4: Connecting the ASXpress Plus System 2 Position the ASXPRESS PLUS electronics module and connect it to the valve/pump module with the attached cable. Considerations: Place within 5 feet of the valve/pump module. Place within 5 feet of the autosampler rear panel. Place so that the operator is able to easily see the load and inject LEDs on the electronics module case. 3 Place the autosampler as near the ASXPRESS PLUS valve/pump module as is possible. Considerations: Rinse station drain tubing connections Serial and USB cable connections Autosampler power supply connection 4 5 Connect the electronics module to its power supply. Connect the host computer to the OEM COM port on the ASXPRESS PLUS electronics module. This will typically be an RS-232 serial connection to the port through which the application software (such as iteva, WinLab32, ICP-MS Expert, or MassHunter ) sends commands to the autosampler. Notes: If the host computer does not have any free serial ports, a USB connection may be used. See USB Connections. No null modem adapter is needed for the RS-232 connections. WARNING: See the ASXPRESS PLUS Operator s Manual for electrical safety precautions. 25
6 Connect the autosampler s serial input port to the AUTOSAMPLER port on the ASXPRESS PLUS electronics module. (If the autosampler has more than one serial port, the input port is typically labeled COM 1. ) 7 Connect the GUI COM port on the electronics module to the host computer. Notes: An RS-232C serial connection or USB connection may be used. See USB Connections. You have now made two connections from the host computer to the electronics module: GUI COM (for configuring the electronics module) and OEM COM (for sending autosampler commands). 26
Chapter 4: Connecting the ASXpress Plus System USB Connections Multiple communication cable options provide flexibility to use all RS-232, all USB or a combination of cables between the host PC and the electronics module. A USB driver must be installed to make the USB port emulate an RS-232 COM port. The driver and the Xpress Configuration Tool software (described in the Operator s Manual) are compatible with the Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7 operating systems. To make a USB connection: a b c d e 8 Turn on the host computer and electronics module. Do not turn on the autosampler. Plug in the USB cable. Allow the Windows Found New Hardware Wizard to use Windows Update to search for a driver. In most cases, the driver will be found online and installed automatically. This process may take several minutes. If a driver is not found, insert the CD-ROM and allow the wizard to search the CD-ROM and install the driver (the exact procedure depends on the version of the Windows operating system). For Windows 7, you may need to navigate to on the CD-ROM to \program files\cetac Technologies\Xpress Config\USB Drivers for CETAC Devices to find the driver file named ftdiport.inf. The hardware will be identified as an FT 232R USB UART and then as a USB Serial Converter. When driver installation is complete, make a note of which COM port number was assigned. Connect the power supply to the autosampler, and to the mains power source. Do not turn on the autosampler at this time. 27
9 Install the sample probe onto the autosampler Z-drive assembly. Note: The Z-drive assembly is different for each model of autosampler. Note that Z-drives equipped with two (2) probe clamps (near right) do not require a guide plate (far right). (See the autosampler operator s manual for complete probe installation information.) 10 Connect the carrier/rinse solution: a Prepare a carrier/rinse solution that is matrix-matched to your samples. A carrier/rinse solution bottle is provided with the ASXPRESS PLUS. b Connect the carrier/rinse tee assembly to two lengths of peristaltic pump tubing (customer supplied) and install at the ICP instrument s peristaltic pump (see page 31). Connect one channel of the pump input to a pickup tube (shown, customer-supplied) for insertion into the carrier/rinse solution bottle. The input of the other channel of the pump remains open to the atmosphere, to draw in air. Air Tee Rinse Solution Note that the air is pumped into the tee assembly perpendicular to the liquid flow. The photo at right shows the supplied tee assembly connected to the customersupplied peristaltic pump tubing and pickup tube. The added air bubbles help clean the tubing and reduce carryover; if an extra pump 28
Chapter 4: Connecting the ASXpress Plus System channel is not available, a passive bubbler can be installed as described in the Operator's Manual. c Connect the opposite end (green fitting) of the carrier/rinse tee assembly to port #6-green of the ASXPRESS PLUS 6-port valve (see photo at right and the diagram on page 31). 11 Connect all drain tubing (3 tubes) to an appropriate waste container. Autosampler rinse station drain tubing ASXPRESS PLUS vacuum pump discharge output tubing Nebulizer/spray chamber drain tubing Rinse station and spray chamber waste may be pumped into a waste container if necessary. Note: Ensure that tubing ends are not submerged below liquid level in the waste container, as this can impede flow and affect performance of the ASXPRESS PLUS system. Use caution to arrange drain tubing so that waste may gravity drain completely without trapping any liquid in the line. 29
12 Join the nebulizer to the sample line at port #5-blue on the ASXPRESS PLUS 6-port valve. Use narrow-diameter tubing, especially if the sample uptake rate is low. Place a nut and ferrule on one end of the line to attach it to the nebulizer. To reduce carryover and ensure effective washout, use one continuous piece of tubing with no splices. If you need to install the optional internal standard addition mixing tee, see the ASXPRESS PLUS Operator s Manual. Note: Cut the line to the shortest possible length. This may also require reorienting the spray chamber to allow close-proximity placement of the ASXPRESS PLUS near the nebulizer. 13 Install the software onto the host computer from the included CD. To do so, follow the instructions found in the ASXPRESS PLUS Operator s Manual, which is available on the CD or from www.cetac.com. 14 Run the Xpress Configuration Tool and set the ASXPRESS PLUS personality to match the autosampler you are using, if necessary. Click Load and Inject a few times to home the valve. If the valve does not seem to be in the correct position, see "If the 6-Port Valve Is In the Wrong Position (Re-Homing)" in the A ASXPRESS PLUS Operator s Manual. 15 Refer to the ASXPRESS PLUS Operator s Manual for additional information on installation, setup or operation. 30
Chapter 4: Connecting the ASXpress Plus System Valve/Pump Module Liquid Flow Connections ASXPRESS PLUS 6-Port Valve Liquid Flow Connections (6-port valve shown in the inject position.) 31
ASXPRESS PLUS Power/Communication General Connections The communication cables are pre-installed in the XLR-8 chain. Refer to the ASXPRESS PLUS and XLR-8 Operator s Manuals for further instruction, as required. Note that there will be two connections between the computer and the electronics module. 32
Manual Part Number 480197 rev1 Printed in USA